January 9, 2022, I was ordained.
That day was the beginning of a new year and season in my life. What led up to that moment was a long and serious season of working through what women can do in the church, but more importantly – significantly more, actually – was searching God’s Word for understanding.
My highest calling is to bring glory to God. I hold to a high view of Scripture – it is God’s holy, inspired, inerrant, Words written by men through His Spirit. What it says is true. What it permits is permissible. What it prohibits is off-limits. Sin is serious. God is holy. I am called to live a holy life and my opinions ultimately do not matter – God’s Words do.
So, while I can work through my feelings and consider my God-given giftings – if it is not God’s design for me to be ordained as a woman and teach or preach – I will not.
I am in the process of working through things again. This time, writing my story and journey from complementarian to egalitarian in my position on women’s roles and ministry permissions in the Bible.
Because I am currently a teaching pastor in full-time ministry, I am often asked about women’s roles in the church. “Why do you think women can…teach/preach/be ordained” comes up a lot. “Doesn’t the Bible say…” is how most conversations begin and that is followed by “…women should be silent” or “…women aren’t permitted to teach” or “…women to be submissive?” From there we have the conversation and I continue to delight in coming together to think biblically on this.
Like me, you probably want to understand things for yourself, and you probably also want to be able to communicate it well with others. I will encourage you in this: you are not the Holy Spirit. You are not in charge of making anyone see it the “right” way. Submit then to the Spirit of God and keep learning. Honor God and His holy Word above all and don’t worry if you come to a conclusion that is different from what someone else does. This isn’t a salvational issue. God is still God.
I’m sharing here a collection of the resources that have helped me think things through and articulate well what Scripture does teach. I hope you’ll find these resources helpful in your journey.
Come back again as I’ll be updating with more resources and soon (I hope) I’ll have my story written and I pray that will be another helpful resource. For now, dig in and enjoy the following:
Christians for Biblical Equality – Their website is an incredible resource in and of itself! Get ready! So much to learn and love here!
CBE YouTube Channel
Tru316 – I can’t speak more highly about this ministry. Bruce and Joy Flemming have blessed me with their thoughtful exegesis and love for God and His Word. I read and re-read their materials. I listen over and over to their podcasts. Wow. Just beautiful resources that have helped me greatly! I love that they have brought everything back to the fundamental misinterpretation of Genesis 3:16
Marg Mowczko – Marg Mowczko was among the first I read that really opened my eyes to the biblical understanding of women in ministry. Her blog is an incredible resource. Set aside a lot of time to dig in and enjoy her thoughtful teaching! She’s a blessing!
The Junia Project – “The Junia Project provides support, encouragement, and biblically-based resources to help women thrive in all areas of life.” Lots of great articles and resources here.
The Following are solid teachers who love God’s Word and have been a help to me. As always, read and listen with discernment. While I agree with much of what these teachers share, I do not agree with them on every point. I am offering this list as a resource for teachers on the specific subject of women in ministry only. Use this list to begin your journey considering why women should be permitted to lead and teach in the church.
Joe Barsha – I am particularly thankful to Joe – my friend and the lead pastor of our church who has supported and encouraged me in this journey.
N.T. Wright
Ben Witherington III
Gary Hoag
Carmen Joy Imes – “Helper: You Keep Using That Word for Women” (excellent article!)
John Stackhouse
Ron Pierce
Mimi Haddad
Craig Keener
Lynn H. Cohick
Cynthia Long Westfall
Collection of biblical scholars in one place
YouTube Playlist – lots of great teachers collected here!
Recommended Reading – Books
Why Not Women
Women in Ministry: Four Views
Leave a Reply